Soft, fluffy, oatmeal pancakes, topped with a mountain of sweetened apples, cinnamon and spices. No Butter, No Flour, Oatmeal Pancakes with Warm Apple Compote are the perfect way to start your morning. Heart-healthy and fabulous, this is one breakfast that’s worth waking up for!

Who doesn’t love cutting into a huge stack of thick, warm pancakes on the weekends? I know I sure do! The texture, the taste, the comfort. All rolled up into a cute little pancake. Pile them high, pour on the syrup, top with a little pat of butter, and all is right with the world. Until that sinking feeling in your stomach reminds you that just maybe you should have gone a little lighter on the syrup, or should have only opted for a shorter stack of pancakes. You know how it is, when you look back and regret indulging in a such a tasty morning breakfast.

Well, here’s one pancake recipe that you can feel good about piling high! Grab your plate and stack them up! These No Butter, No Flour, Oatmeal Pancakes with Warm Apple Compote will give you all you need to start your weekend, or your weekday, off on the right foot! They are filled with everything good that your body needs to fuel your morning.

The other night, Andrew and I were talking about our old stomping ground, Atlanta, Georgia. During our conversation, one of our favorite breakfast spots, The Flying Biscuit Cafe, popped into our heads. We sure have a lot of fond memories of that place! I remember going there for dinner one night while I was pregnant with William, and I ordered their amazing Organic Oatmeal Pancakes. Yum! There was also the time that we took my parents there when they were visiting. We had to wait outside for a table for over an hour! (The place is just that good!) As we were waiting, at least we were able to enjoy the lovely weather (that’s one thing that Atlanta has over Michigan for sure!). Great conversation, a beautiful morning, and all of the friendly people passing by. However, we will never forget the one man that was walking by, and decided to loudly comment on my dad’s burnt-orange colored sweater vest. From all the way across the street, he looked at my dad, and shouted, “That’s FABOO!”, and kept on walking. After the man walked away, the four of us were just about doubled over laughing. How funny?!!! Now, whenever we think of The Flying Biscuit, or my dad’s orange vest, we can’t help but think, “It’s FABOO!”.

With a little inspiration from our friends down south, here it is! My totally “faboo” recipe for No Butter, No Flour, Oatmeal Pancakes with Warm Apple Compote.

Add the oatmeal mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk together. Then add the dry ingredients to the oat mixture and stir together using a rubber spatula, until just combined. Allow batter to sit for about 30 minutes to thicken.

While batter is sitting, you can make the compote: In a small sauce pan, combine apples, dates, water, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Turn heat to medium, and stir together. Allow mixture to come to a small boil, then turn heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer, stirring often, for about 30 minutes more, until apples are very soft, and the liquid has reduced greatly and looks thick and syrupy. Turn off heat and stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and keep warm.

Lightly coat a non-stick griddle pan or frying pan with cooking spray, and pre-heat over a medium-low burner. Gently give batter one last stir after it has been sitting.

Once griddle is hot, ladle a little less than a 1/4 cup (about 3 tablespoons) of batter for each pancake, onto pan and cook pancakes on one side until small bubbles start to appear, about 3-4 minutes. Gently flip pancakes over and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 more minutes. Serve warm and top with apple compote.